illustrated parts list

[DJTOregon]

Has anyone had any experience developing an automated illustrated parts list (IPL) in Framemaker 19? If so, where did you go and how did you do it?

Thank you!

Dan

[LinSims]

It sounds as if you're asking how to do database publishing with FrameMaker; that is, extracting information from a database into Frame documents and then publishing.

If so, you might want to read Adobe's white paper called Database Publishing in FrameMaker 11. It is obviously a few releases behind, but it should give you a decent, high-level overview of how to use FrameMaker in this kind of process.

[Matt S - Tech Comm Tools]

What standard are you writing to? S1000D or iSpec?

[DJTOregon]

iSpec. Any ideas where to look or how long this will take? From scratch?

[Matt S - Tech Comm Tools]

First, check with the manufacturer. If you're not the only subcontractor to use Fm, they may already have the structapp and related files you need.

If no luck, check with mekon.com. They have structapps for both S1000D and iSpec. I don't remember if the have an IPL, but they'd be able to assist in developing it if they don't. Flatiron Solutions is another possibility. They developed the core structapp for a client of mine a few years ago.

[DJTOregon]

Thank you! I purchased your Tech Comm Tools Structured EDD Development and Structured Authoring workbooks. They have been a big help on this project! I have a few more questions for you if you don't mind. I'll send you an e-mail if it's available on your website.

Dan

[Matt S - Tech Comm Tools]

Glad the workbooks helped! You can DM me here, or find contact info at techcommtools.com.

[mekon_avj]

At Mekon we have a tool for creating the IPL section of a CMM from a spreadsheet.

It creates a structured (SGML) document that is compliant with the ATA specification.

We developed this to help customers who get their parts data supplied as a spreadsheet and didn't want to recreate the whole thing in FrameMaker in our authoring plugin. The tool lets them create a mapping file that maps the spreadsheet data to the ATA markup, then they can process any spreadsheet of the same format and create a standalone SGML file that can then be opened with our ATA CMM authoring plugin for FrameMaker and the content edited and pasted into the main CMM.

Obviously, as with any conversion, the resulting file may not be perfect but it is a lot faster than creating by hand.

For more details see our website ..Mekon Eclipse Parts List Generators - Mekon Aerospace and Defence